Ecclesiastes 7:23-24

Human Wisdom is Limited

7:23 I have examined all this by wisdom;

I said, “I am determined ¹  to comprehend this” ²  – but it was beyond my grasp. ³ 

7:24 Whatever has happened is beyond human ⁴  understanding; ⁵ 

it is far deeper than anyone can fathom. ⁶ 

[7:23]  ¹ tn The cohortative אֶחְכָּמָה (’ekhkamah, from חָכַם, khakham,“to be wise”) emphasizes the resolve (determination) of Qoheleth to become wise enough to understand the perplexities of life.

[7:23]  ² tn Or “I am determined to become wise”

[7:23]  ³ tn Or “but it eluded me”; Heb “but it was far from me.”

[7:24]  ⁴ tn The word “human” does not appear in the Hebrew text, but is supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons.

[7:24]  ⁵ tn Heb “is far away.”

[7:24]  ⁶ tn Heb “It is deep, deep – who can find it?” The repetition of the word “deep” emphasizes the degree of incomprehensibility. See IBHS 233-34 §12.5a.